Life for man guilty of manslaughter after Bonnie Harwood’s brutal killing
Not guilty of murder but convicted of manslaughter
After a five-week trial at Winchester Crown Court, 32-year-old Matthew Reynolds of Pound Gate, Alton, was cleared of murdering Bonnie Harwood but found guilty of her manslaughter.
Timeline of the tragic killing
On Sunday, 10 October 2021, police rushed to an Aldersey Fields address in Alton just after 1.40pm. They made a grim discovery: Bonnie Harwood, 47, found dead with multiple stab wounds. A post-mortem confirmed one wound was fatal.
Hampshire Constabulary’s Major Crime team launched a swift and detailed investigation. They uncovered messages between Reynolds and Bonnie before he visited her flat at around 3.50am that very morning. Reynolds returned home by 4.19am, and Bonnie’s phone went offline soon after.
Charges and earlier violent robbery
Reynolds was arrested on 12 October and charged with Bonnie’s murder three days later. He was also charged with an axe-wielding robbery at Holybourne Post Office on 7 October. At around 6.08am, he threatened a lone female worker and stole money from the till before fleeing.
Reynolds pleaded guilty to the robbery but denied murder, leading to the manslaughter verdict.
Justice served with a life sentence
On Friday, 10 June, Winchester Crown Court sentenced Reynolds to life imprisonment with a minimum of 14 years behind bars.
“Bonnie’s life was cruelly taken through a cowardly, senseless, and violent act by someone she had invited into her home,” said Detective Inspector Dan Hunt.
“We hope that today brings a sense of justice to those close to Bonnie and helps them cope with their heartbreaking loss. Our thoughts are with all of them as they deal with the consequences of his actions.”
The police also extended thanks to the Alton community for their support to Bonnie’s family and efforts in bringing Reynolds to justice.
